Hello!
Hope your Thursday is going well. I just got home from work and I’m about to head to the Sonoma County Fair. I’ve never been a huge fair person (I despise roller coasters with every cell in my body), but the worship band from church is putting on a big concert there tonight so I’m meeting some friends for that. And maybe a sliver of fried dough. There’s no way to know.
This morning I had a big pancake topped with almond butter, yogurt and maple syrup for a brunch before work:
I just gave in my two week notice to Kendall-Jackson.
Sad, I know, because I Kendall-Jackson has been such a huge part of my life for the past year (Almanzo works for the company as well), but since I now can classify myself as a real live writer I need to better focus my professional efforts on this blog, the book and my future books. It’s taken awhile and the road hasn’t always been easy, but I feel like I can finally stand on my own two feet as a writer and mold my career in that way. I know I only worked there three times a week, but I need every hour of those extra three days to finish these edits. Writing a book is not for the faint of heart. I promise you that.
What makes one a writer, anyways? We used to debate this in my writing workshops when I was an undergrad. Does seeing your name in print make you a writer? Does writing short stories in your spare time? I think I started to officially call myself a writer after I got my book deal last year. Since I was about seven years old, I’ve always dreamt of becoming an author and my dreams are finally coming true! I can’t even imagine the day when I can walk into Barnes and Noble and see it on the shelf. I’ve always thought that THAT day would be the best day of my life. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
Thinking about that question though made me think of an even bigger question and that is what defines you? For me, it’s definitely my faith, my family and those I love, my morals and values, and my passion for writing, cooking and traveling. What about you?
More than anything, I just feel so incredibly blessed and excited to be doing something that I love so much full time. I have big plans for this blog in the upcoming days so stay tuned!
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This is exciting Jenna, good for you! Although if I were you, I’d miss the view from your “office” at KJ…
Great post, Jenna. I really am so happy for you that you are getting published and your dreams are coming true! For me, I would say I am defined by being a caring and compassionate person, honest, and a hard-worker. I hope I am defined by being a good friend, wife, sister, daughter, neice, granddaughter, etc.
Congrats on taking the leap of faith! That’s so awesome that you’ll be doing what you absolutely love full time.
What defines me…hmmm…I would say my morals and values, my desire to keep improving myself and my life (not that it’s bad in any way, shape or form, but I believe that there’s always more), and my compassion for others.
My family and friends without a doubt. I am who I am because of them!
Congrats Jenna! Going after your dreams is huge.
For me my faith and family define who I am. Everything I do comes out of those two things. My passion is found in both and I love both dearly.
I’m glad there is another person out there that hates roller coasters with all their might. I am terrified of them.
Congrats!
I think it’s so important to listen to our hearts and follow our dreams. Without trying, we never know what could have been.
I find myself hard to define as I have so many quirks. I am passionate about so many things, yet always open to new thoughts and ideas. I love challenges, cooking, learning, music, and being with my loved ones–of both human and furry persuasion. I believe in individual freedom and integrity. I feel that I am not only defined by what I have done, but by what I aspire to do and be.
Jenn
I’m not totally sure what defines me yet. I think it changes every year. Right now I think its my relationships with my best friends, my passion for race studies and social justice, faith, food and wellness.
Congratulations Jenna!! I think we all aspire for that day that our childhood dreams come true!! Thanks for inspiring! xoxo
Jenna, I love this!! I truly believe that the only way to live is to do what we love 100% of the time. Life is too short for anything else. Getting to the place where you can do that takes lots of hard work and dedication, so congratulations you deserve it!!!!!
What defines me? My love for my friends and family, my desire to always help others better their lives and of course my passion for the earth, food, cooking, health and happiness.
This is something I’ve been talking about lately. Not so much what defines me, but what I find my identity in (kind of similar). I had a job for a while, and while I didn’t want to identify myself WITH that job.. I was a working person. Once I lost my job I found my identity in making people happy with my cooking. Now that funds are even more low, I am having trouble finding my place again. But, I just got accepted into grad school and start in 6 weeks, so my new identity will be Grad Student.. and then hopefully therapist/play therapist/assessor.
Aside from that, I agree that I find my identity in Christ.. as His child and I try to serve him by serving others – though I often fail.
Woo! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the granola! I do think the double coconut makes it irresistible — that and a good dose of salt to punch things up.
As for what defines me? I think it’s a lifelong quest to express and experience things that are true and beautiful, whether that is through music, cooking, interacting with nature, loving and caring for others . . . sounds a little hippy dippy I guess, but there ya go!
Congratulations for making your dream come true Jenna, I can’t wait to read what’s coming next!
What defines me? I think I’ll be able to point it out on my death bed. Until then, I am a work in progress, and I’m enjoying the journey
I think in the west we spend too much time defining ourselves by our roles rather than who we truly are which is why your list is such a breath of fresh air.
Me? The things that define me are my faith, my family, yoga and writing (I guess I’m lucky I get to make something of a living out of at least one of these!)
Oh and I despise rollercoasters too….
What a terrific, profound dialogue Jenna! Many of these responses moved me to tears!
You are a beautiful woman.
I am so proud of you for reflecting on yourself and your life- often- and changing what you need to change to make your life better.
Congratulations, Jenna. You are always an inspiration.
I agree with another commenter about not defining myself with words because it pigeon holes me. Who knows what I may feel tomorrow. For now, I am changing the lives of women by helping them heal their relationship with food and that is the most rewarding work I could ask for.
I do hope to one day be a published author, traveling around the world showing women that there is a better way than counting calories and hating their bodies. But in the mean time, I just do what I do and do my best.
Wow! Congratulations! That’s a huge step. I know you’re gonna be fine though just because you’re such a talented girl and SUCH a trooper. I can’t wait to hear about more developments!
Girl, you have a huge follower of readers and I can agree with you when you call yourself a writer. I’m so happy that you’re taking the plunge and dedicating yourself to what you really, truly love. That’s so inspirational.
It’s a good question. I’ll have to think on that one today. Thanks for the inspiration!
I am so excited that you are reaching your dreams Jenna. You are a true example that anyone can reach their dreams with hard work, passion and a lot of heart! Congrats!
It is incredibly inspiring to watch people create the life that their dreams are filled with! To be honest – determining what we are defined by requires a high level of maturity in my opinion. Growing up its easy to say what we “like” or “support” but announcing what truly compiles who we are isnt something one can discover overnight, maybe why I cant answer at this moment…. Hmmm Thinking subject for today…
Exciting…you go through lots of changes but they all seem to lead to bigger and better things:)
Great thought provoking post. I’ve wondered similar things myself, especially as I contemplate a new career.
Maria
Congrats on moving forward. Sometimes we have to give up stuff we love because it has simply run its course.
I just finished a wonderful book called “A Life Worth Breathing,” written by Max Strom. It is a yoga book, but mostly it is about applying the principles of yoga to your life, to add meaning and purpose. My sister got it for me as I was going through a really terrible break-up, and honestly it couldn’t have come into my life at a better time. What defines me, and all that I have, is what is in my heart. So I am defined by love for others, love for myself, and love for life in general. All that you can carry for all of your life is who you are inside, and that is what defines you.
Hello! I have been reading your blog for quite some time now and have been doing so more regularly. I think what you post on here is great, as it’s been an inspiration to me to eat healthier and live a better lifestyle. But your post this morning was quite something else. I am a fellow Christ-follower and I have to say, though I struggle many many times, Christ is who defines me. Sounds like a pat answer but it’s what I truly believe. Time and again I’ve allowed people, accomplishments, work, hobbies, etc to define me – to the detriment of who I am. I refuse to live that way anymore.
Anyways, like others said on here, congratulations as you move forward in your career! And keep up the great work on this blog, because trust me, it helps a lot of us out.
congrats for taking this step, jenna! it’s a big one and i’m sure will be filled with much reward.
Exciting times!
From Iceland and I haven´t tried Siggi´s Skyr – that has to change obviously.
I’m defined by my love.
Congratulations, Jenna! My husband aspires to quit his counseling job and be a full-time writer. Hopefully, someday he will get there, too. I am defined by my sense of humor, my sense of fairness, my work ethic and my giddiness at all things nerdy.
What defines me? That is a tough one. I would say I take a lot of identity from my job in advertising, but I know that is dangerous. So beyond that, I will say my positive spirit and sense of adventure. =)
that is so exciting, a real writer!!!
i would say what defines me is being able to care for people, especially my fiance. it thrills my soul to cook him meals, iron his work shirts, run errands for him. i can’t wait to be married to him! (just 3 months away!) my family and faith also define me. without those, i would be lost indeed.
i thoroughly enjoy your blog, thank you for writing!
I think anyone who writes is a writer, just as anyone who creates is an artist. It’s how you feel inside. Looking for outside feedback to define you can get dangerous. Maybe the boundary can be writer vs professional writer – something from which you earn money. But that’s another story… That being said, congratulations on taking the next step! How exciting!!!
Oh how tough this question truly is! I don’t like to think that any collection of words “defines” me, as I feel that it changes on a daily basis. Words that will always remain, though: writer because it’s something I can’t go a day without doing and it’s how I best communicate; singer because I do it when I’m happy, sad, elated, bored, I do it subconsciously; family gal because I truly need my family to survive; lover because I can’t help but feel that every day… That’s all for now!
For the words that define us, I don’t think there needs to be “proof,” as in a published work or an album or what-have-you. I believe it’s what you feel in your heart every day that defines you.
Personally, I have always thought that simply writing something makes you a writer. In the same way that dusting off an old pair of sneakers and running makes you a runner.
I have never believed that you need to be published to get to call yourself a writer, in the same way that you don’t have to win a marathon to call yourself a runner.
But I still think it is amazing that you are working on a book and I can’t wait to see it at my local bookstore! I have already pre-ordered Caitlin’s Operation Beautiful book and I can’t wait for the day it willl arrive in my mailbox. =)
Congrats ELR! You are amazing. Your life seems to be so full of adventure and fun but yet you are so down to earth.
Jenna, Congratulations. What a great step! You continue to be an inspiration to me, an aspiring writer! I look forward to reading your blog daily–it brings me joy. Thank you for writing! I look forward to your book and your plans for to grow the blog.
I’ve written two “books” now. The past two Novembers, I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo and written a 50,000 word novel in 30 days in my “spare time” after work, on weekends, in the car, etc. I’m sure you can do it, and I’m sure it will be better than mine.
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